How to Actually Socialize Your Puppy

Socialization.

If you’ve recently brought your puppy home, or you’re thinking about bringing a puppy home you’ve probably heard something about socialization.

This is an extremely important topic for puppies, so it’s getting some attention in the Koinonia Puppy series today. The hope is that you’ll leave this article with a clearer understanding of what socialization is and how to do it.

What is Socialization?

Socialization is the process of carefully exposing a puppy to new people, places, sounds, activities and objects to create positive associations and build the behaviors you want to see in your adult dog.

Your puppy should not experience yucky feelings like fear, anxiety, or overwhelm during socialization.

Why Socialize?

Novel (or unfamiliar) things often make dogs nervous. Socialization is about reducing the amount of novelty an adult dog encounters by introducing him to a wide variety of things when he’s most receptive and optimistic about them.

How to Socialize a Puppy

Sit and Watch

This is great option for young puppies:

1) Drive to a bank, library, park, or shopping center parking lot.
2) Open the trunk/tailgate and sit in the back with your puppy.
3) Feed treats frequently OR let your puppy eat his meal from a Kong or puzzle toy.
4) After 5-10 minutes, drive home.

Sit and Watch is an easy way to let your puppy to observe the world outside your home without worrying about creating bad habits.

Socialization Outings

These short trips to dog-friendly stores are fun for older puppies (10+ weeks).

• These outings provide more intense socialization, but also make it easier for your pup to become overwhelmed. Learn some dog body language so you can tell whether or not your puppy is enjoying his outing.

• Outings also make it easier for your pup to learn bad manners like pulling on a leash and jumping on people. Practice some basics at home first, and prioritize exposure over interaction at the store.

• Lowe’s or Academy Sports and Outdoors are great places to start. I pick large stores with solid surface flooring until I’m more confident in the puppy’s potty training and ability to stay focused around people. Avoid pet stores until your pup is fully vaccinated and you’re both a bit more accustomed to navigating pet-friendly stores.

If the store or location you want to visit doesn’t have a sign saying they’re pet-friendly, call first to double-check that pet dogs are allowed.

Please do NOT take your puppy into service-dogs-only stores like HEB and Target.

So my puppy doesn’t need to meet other dogs or people?

Yes and no.

It is a myth that your puppy must meet other people in order to be socialized. Appropriate exposure that builds positive associations and the behaviors you want is essential for socialization; meeting strangers and being touched is not.

When can we stop socializing?

A short socialization activity 3-4 times per week is recommended until your pup is around 14 weeks old and his window for extremely effective socialization closes. After that, socialization can (and should!) still happen with 1-2 outings per week.

What about vaccines?

“Aren’t puppies supposed to stay at home until their vaccines are completed?”

The American Society of Veterinary Behaviorists has issued a position statement on this dilemma. Their opinion is that the behavioral risks associated with keeping your pup home until his vaccines are finished far outweigh the health risks posed by careful socialization outside the home.

Be smart about where you take your pup, and he should stay healthy:

• DO visit stores that aren’t as well known for being dog-friendly (like Academy and Hobby Lobby)

• Do NOT visit dog parks or pet stores

• Do NOT let your dog meet dogs you do not know

• DO monitor his stool and overall health for signs of illness (lethargy, vomiting, loose or runny stool)

Does proper socialization guarantee my puppy won’t be scared?

Unfortunately, no. Adult behavior is a product of both nature and nurture.

That doesn’t mean socialization is pointless! Naturally fearful puppies can be helped by careful socialization, but they might never turn into social butterflies who love everyone and enjoy visiting new, busy locations.

If you’re noticing that your puppy is a bit fearful or shy, I recommend working with a qualified positive-reinforcement dog trainer ASAP. Your puppy needs special handling and extra work to help them grow into their best selves.

If you would like some extra help getting your pup’s socialization needs met, check out Koinonia’s puppy socialization booster packs! Socializing puppies in public is my favorite thing!